Testimonies
My Salvation Experience
by Todd Larkey
I was fortunate to be brought up in a home where the Bible was taught and the love of God was shared at home and at Church.
I was taught from the earliest age that Jesus is my Savior and that He died on the cross for my sins. My Mother not only taught me to pray but read from the Bible as well. These things have a lasting impression and should never be underestimated by young parents.
It was a normal Saturday. I was with friends, playing baseball in my Grandmothers yard. Something happened that I don’t think I’ll ever forget. One of the guys chased the ball across the street without looking. Out of nowhere a car approached and came to a sudden halt. Nothing tragic happened, but I was haunted by what might have been.
The whole day I was bothered by this seemingly tame occurrence. I couldn’t get out of my mind how quickly life can come to an end.
More importantly, I had this overwhelmingly guilty feeling that I was not worthy of God. I felt dirty and ashamed, undeserving of God’s love and ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Why would Jesus ever do what He did for someone as worthless as me?
Years later I would come to understand I was “under conviction.” John 6:44 says, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him...” I am convinced that is what happened that day. God was showing my need of Him and His forgiveness.
That night I remember dropping to my knees at my bedside, crying, pouring out my soul to the Lord, asking His forgiveness and mercy. A simple but earnest prayer that was from the heart. Though I don’t remember my exact prayer, I do know this: the trouble I had felt was gone – I was no longer burdened with the grief of sin. I knew the Lord had forgiven me. He saved me.
When you think about it, it’s amazing how the Holy Spirit guides us when we are receptive to the Lord. I believe with all my heart that because I was raised in a home where the Bible was read, my heart was softened and ready when God opened my eyes of my need for Him.
